It may sound strange, but 3D printing isn't that much different then a plotter or other CAM machine. It needs Gerber files to do its job. Blender is an Open Source 3D drawing program, amongst other I'd add... Use Google to find more

I've just built myself a RepRap (reprap.org) - which, quite frankly is bloomin' ace. I can now print all the lego bits I'll ever need...

The basic software for the reprap is GPL, but there are loads of more sophisticated CAD programs, including Blender, that are available for Linux. I'd love a review of 3D printing / reprap capable CAD programs to appear in the mag. Any chance...?

The RepRap was invented by a guy from Bath Uni, so I'm sure LF can easily get hold of some hardware if they ask nicely

"Debugging is twice as hard as writing the code in the first place. Therefore, if you write the code as cleverly as possible, you are, by definition, not smart enough to debug it." --Brian Kernighan